Both Bideford and Ilfracombe are accessed via Junction 27 of the M5, which links Birmingham and Exeter. This leads to the A361, the main link road into North Devon.
From London and the south there are 2 main routes into North Devon, either straight down the M4 and M5, or via the M3/A303/A358. My personal choice would always be the latter, as it is faster and more scenic, and therefore less tiring, it will however depend on which area you are travelling from. The A303 has a large array of Little Chefs and villages just off the main road with nice country pubs, which cater for all tastes and pockets, which has to be better than relying on over priced and unimaginative motorway fayre, whose idea of vegetarian food is a vegetable lasagne!
The A361 takes you into Barnstaple, the largest town in North Devon. At the end of this road, left takes you into Bideford and Hartland, right, through the town centre takes you into Ilfracombe. Barnstaple is not the easiest town to drive through, due its large number of roundabouts. For those who wish to avoid the town it is possible to do this by turning right onto the A399 at South Molton roundabout (the scenic route) or continuing to the main roundabout that leads to the A39 and the Barnstaple Western bypass at Roundswell roundabout.
For those travelling by public transport the best option is probably by National Express coaches, which run from most major towns across the country. By train North Devon is accessed via the Tarka Line which runs from Exeter to Barnstaple. You will then need to travel on to the port of sailing via public bus. Further information on both busses and trains can be obtained from www.traveline.org.uk
Accomodation at the Ports
Details on suitable accommodation will be sent to you as part of your holiday confirmation. Having stayed at a variety of different places during my twelve years of visiting Lundy, there are however two hotels that I would particularly recommend, the Laston House in Ilfracombe and the Red House, at Brynsworthy, just outside Barnstaple, near Roundswell roundabout.
The Laston House has beautiful grounds and a variety of different rooms, including family. They offer free parking for guests visiting Lundy, and even arrange for a taxi to take you to the harbour. This means that you are free to leave your car at the Hotel for the entire duration of your holiday, saving you the hassle of parking in town (not to mention paying for it). All rooms contain fridges with mini bar and there is microwave downstairs for guests use.
The Red House is a comfortable family run guest house conveniently located just off the A39, a few miles outside of Barnstaple. It is ideal for both Bideford sailings and the winter helicopter service, with ample parking for guests. Both are also vegetarian friendly, and can cater for other special dietary needs.
